Former ABC producer sues network, naming Matt Gutman over alleged inappropriate remarks

A former ABC News field producer filed a wrongful-termination suit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that she was fired after requesting accommodations for mental-health issues. The complaint names ABC, The Walt Disney Co., former colleague Matt Gutman—now a CBS News chief correspondent—and former Los Angeles bureau chief David Herndon as defendants, and cites claims of discrimination, a hostile work environment, harassment and retaliation for protected activity.

The plaintiff, Samira Said, says she was assigned to a male-only team that included Gutman. While waiting in a public line, Gutman allegedly began rating a female correspondent’s appearance on a numerical scale, prompting the male crew to join the discussion. Said declined to comment and described the conversation as inappropriate.

In a separate incident at a press event, the complaint states Gutman made a sexualized remark suggesting Said had an after-hours date, implying that was why she did not want to relocate. Said says the comment was made audibly in front of coworkers and demeaned her professional judgment.

According to the filing, Said sought medical leave for depression after covering the Uvalde mass shooting and dealing with COVID-related stress. Her psychiatrist recommended reduced workload and accommodations, but she says HR presented an ultimatum to return without accommodations or not at all. She eventually withdrew her requests, was demoted to weekend desk shifts, and later sustained a foot injury while covering wildfires. A Disney physician determined she did not need leave for the injury.

ABC News Vice President Katie DenDaas reportedly told Said she was a top performer, yet she was terminated on March 5, 2025. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, attorney fees and declaratory relief. CBS News and ABC News have not commented on the case.